Hens and Chicks

Hens and Chicks need to be watered regularly in order to remain healthy. You should water them when the soil they are planted in is dry. This applies both when the plant is planted outdoors and indoors. When outdoors, it’s best to water the plants early morning or later in the day so that the soil will have time to dry in the sun before nightfall. When the plant is indoors, it’s best to keep it from getting waterlogged. Poor drainage can cause root rot.

Hens and Chicks thrive best in bright, indirect sunlight. If exposed to only direct sunlight they may burn. Plants can be placed in direct sunlight for short periods of time depending on the weather conditions and the season. However, if temperatures are too hot the direct sunlight should be avoided. They perform well in areas with filtered shade.

Hens and Chicks are a hardy plant and are able to withstand a range of temperatures. The temperature should not drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) for any long periods of time. In colder climates, you’ll want to bring your plant indoors or provide it with some insulated protection until temperatures rise. During the summer, they can handle temperatures as high as 78 – 80 degrees Fahrenheit (25 – 27 degrees Celsius).

Hens and Chicks thrive in an average to dry humidity. The ideal humidity range for them is 40-50%. Humidity levels lower than 40% can cause the leaves to dry or crack. If you live in a particularly humid climate, you may want to consider providing some form of air circulation near the plant to help it out.

Hens and Chicks perform best in a well draining soil mixture. The best soil for them is a combination of potting soil, peat moss, and coarse sand mixed together. This mixture allows the roots of the plant to have adequate drainage and aeration.

Hens and Chicks only require fertilization once or twice a year. The best fertilizer for them is a balanced NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) liquid fertilizer. If using a granular fertilizer, be sure to use one that is specifically formulated for succulents. Be sure to dilute the fertilizer to a third of the recommended strength and water the plant with it, avoiding the leaves and stems.

Hens and Chicks are usually pest free, however, like any other plant, they can still be susceptible to pests. Most commonly, they can be affected by Mealybugs, aphids, thrips, and mites. It’s important to keep an eye out for these pests in order to get rid of them quickly. To get rid of them, spray the plant with a dilute solution of soapy water (NEVER oils!) or you can use a mild pesticide. Be sure to thoroughly wash the plant with water afterwards to remove any pesticide residue.

It is best to repot Hens and Chicks during the spring when the plant is coming out of its dormant period. The plants should be repotted every one to two years to provide them with fresh soil and encourage healthy growth. Be sure to use well textured soil that is able to hold water and still be able to drain to prevent root rot.

Hens and Chicks don’t need to be pruned, however if you find the rosettes are getting too large or unruly you can prune them. The best way to do this is by cutting or breaking off individual rosettes or clumps of rosettes. Be sure to avoid leaving any leftover stubs as these can rot. You can use the clippings to propagate new plants.

Mulching can be beneficial for Hens and Chicks as it helps to keep the soil cool and moist while also suppressing weed growth. For this particular plant, mulching with small stones or pebbles is the best option.

Hens and Chicks can easily be propagated at home. All you need are some damp, well-draining soil and seeds or baby plants (often called chicks). Plant the small plants in the soil mixture and water them regularly. The plants should begin to grow within a few weeks, and after a few months, the chicks should have established their own roots.

Hens and Chicks don’t require external support to stay upright. The sturdy leaves and stems of the plant are able to remain erect on their own.

Hens and Chicks only need one rest period annually during the winter. During this period, they should be watered less frequently and kept in an area with temperatures no lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius).

Hens and Chicks are not toxic to pets and are in fact quite safe for your furry friends. However, it’s important to keep the plants out of reach of pets as they could cause an upset stomach if ingested.